In this episode, I’m joined by Phil Smith, Chair of Skills England, for a wide-ranging and deeply human conversation about skills, leadership, and the future of work. Phil shares his unexpected journey from studying microbiology to leading global technology organisations, representing Team GB as a triathlete, and now helping shape the UK’s national skills agenda. His story is a powerful reminder that careers aren’t always linear — and that curiosity, resilience, and adaptability matter just as much as qualifications.

We explore the growing mismatch between education and employment, the real challenges businesses face when it comes to hiring and reskilling, and why simplifying access to skills funding is critical — especially for SMEs. Phil also reflects on the rise of AI, the importance of human skills like communication and confidence, and what leaders can do right now to invest in people rather than fear change. This conversation is full of insight for business leaders, policymakers, and anyone navigating career transitions in an increasingly uncertain world.

Connect With Phil Smith

https://www.linkedin.com/in/phil-smith-cbe-a2332220

Connect with the Global Skills Podcast

• Connect with the Host Vanessa Wainwright LinkedIn

• Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.com

• Send us an email at editor@globalskillspodcast.com

In this episode of The Global Skills Podcast, I sit down with Sonal, a senior talent acquisition leader whose career spans India and the UK across major tech and consulting companies. We explore her journey from India to the UK, how recruitment differs across both regions, and why scale, mobility, and high-volume tech talent define the Indian hiring landscape.

Sonal shares why UK talent still faces STEM shortages, how higher education has improved, and why educators need to integrate AI skills earlier to meet industry demand—especially for young women considering STEM careers.

We dig into the rapid rise of AI, the confusion it has created in job descriptions and CVs, and the growing need for educators to validate real AI skills. Sonal also explains why TA teams must evolve beyond transactional recruiting and start operating closer to the business and talent management.

This episode is packed with practical insight for recruiters, educators, and anyone navigating the future of work.

Connect With Sonal Bhadwaj

• https://www.linkedin.com/in/sonalbhardwaj/

Connect with the Global Skills Podcast

• Connect with the Host Vanessa Wainwright LinkedIn

• Visit Our Website https://www.globalskillspodcast.com

• Send us an email at editor@globalskillspodcast.com

In this episode of the Global Skills Podcast, I sit down with Mike Byrne, NIIT’s VP of Sales for EMEA and a seasoned EdTech leader, together with Dylan Stokes, NIIT’s Global Head of HCM Technology Practice. We explore what’s really happening inside enterprise L&D right now—from the rise of GenAI-enabled learning to the shift away from one-size-fits-all content toward deeply personalized, skills-first workforce development. Mike and Dylan share powerful insights from decades in learning, talent technologies, and large-scale transformation, including why companies can no longer afford to wait when it comes to understanding and predicting skills gaps.

We also highlight NIIT’s exciting collaboration with Abodoo, a partnership built on shared values around skills, access, employability, and enabling people to thrive through intelligent learning. Together, we discuss how organizations are using skills analytics, talent mobility, and rapid AI-driven implementations to future-proof their workforce. Whether you’re leading L&D, navigating transformation, or planning your 2025 skills strategy, this episode offers clear, practical direction—and a glimpse into what the next three years of learning innovation will look like.